[Lapsinuibense]

why do many ulema forbid greeting non muslims on thier religious festivals ? for instance today is diwali in India.
Should we not wish hindus Happy diwali ? They are our neighbours and colleagues and should'nt we maintain good relationships with them ? How is wishing them 'encouraging them' ?

[first_pr]

I was told that its forbidden because how can you tell someone what they are celebrating this wrong, if you are wishing them happiness from celebrating.For example saying "Merry Christmas", is wishing that someone will find joy in the event of Christ's birth. The announcement of the Angel to the Shepherds in the Gospel of Luke clarifies the sentiment behind "Merry Christmas"

[milfovoxapl]

Sister Nabila,

One should not greet people "Merry Christmas", however, it is not because we are against finding joy in the birth of the Christ (´alayhi as-salam). The birth of Sayyidina ´Isa was a blessed one, and we ought to remember it. That, and saying "Merry Christmas" are two seperate issues.

wa'Llahu a'lam

[VDAu5p33]

Well, Halloween is coming soon. You'll see kids dressed up like jinn and shayateen....

Do they get any gulab jamun? No?

[bestformaldress23]

instead wish them seasson greetings.

it will be 'seasons greetings' now, and then a few years down the line it will be merry christmas and christmas parties, especially if the ulama send seasons greeting cards and then the laymen will pickup on that and run away with it.

[Gypejeva]

It is not permissible to wish non-Muslims during their festivals.

The non-Muslims display acts of Kufr during their festivals. To wish them in
their festivals is a sign of complacency to Kufr.

http://askimam.org/fatwa/fatwa.php?a...1dd8268495d649